A sentencing hearing for a teenage murderer in Wisconsin descended into violent chaos on Friday, as a vicious brawl erupted between the families of the victim and the defendant in the courtroom gallery.
Life Sentences for a Fatal Shooting
Parise Larry Jr, now 16, and Antonio Johnston, 19, were both sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole for their roles in a fatal shooting in May 2023. The incident occurred at the Maplewood Commons apartment complex in Fond du Lac.
Larry, who was just 14 at the time, and Johnston, then 17, killed 20-year-old Tatyanna Zech as she was taking out the rubbish. Two other individuals, an 18-year-old man and his 49-year-old father, were injured in the gunfire. Prosecutors believe the 18-year-old was the intended target of the altercation.
Johnston pleaded guilty to eight felonies, including first-degree intentional homicide, in January. Larry was found guilty by a jury in October, having claimed during his trial that he acted in self-defence.
Courtroom Proceedings Erupt into Violence
The scheduled sentencing for Parise Larry Jr at Fond du Lac County court was dramatically disrupted around 10:30 am. What began as a verbal argument between his relatives and those of victim Tatyanna Zech quickly escalated into a physical fight.
Judge Laura Lavey was heard screaming 'Stop!' as individuals leapt from their seats to confront one another. Court police officers rushed to separate the brawlers. One woman involved was heard shouting, 'I'm tired of this sh*t!' and later claimed, 'That's a grown a** man talking sh*t.'
The hearing was adjourned and the fracas spilled into the hallway and later the courthouse car park, where shouting continued. Law enforcement was called to the scene, resulting in at least two arrests for disorderly conduct, with one man also charged with resisting arrest.
Sentencing Resumes After Chaotic Delay
After a delay of approximately ninety minutes, order was restored and the hearing resumed. Judge Lavey did not mince her words, stating, 'To say that I am frustrated and disappointed is an understatement.'
Before receiving his life sentence, Larry offered a brief apology. 'I’m going to take responsibility for everything that’s in this case. And I just want to say ‘sorry’ to my family and their family,' he said. Johnston also begged for mercy during his sentencing, saying, 'I beg you, please just give me another chance.'
Tatyanna Zech's mother addressed the court, describing her daughter as a 'bright light to the world' and a talented hairdresser. She urged the judge to consider 'the vast dark void that was left behind' by her killing.
Following the shooting, Larry turned himself in days later. Johnston, however, remained on the run until his arrest at a friend's house in September 2024.
